The blazing heat of the Australian summer sun shined down at the two of us: dad and I, as we trekked through the national park.
We were going on a father daughter camping trip for my 18th birthday whilst I was on school holidays.
Despite the disgusting heat that made me wonder if I should have asked to go during winter instead, I was happy. After all, I didn't get much time with daddy ever since he started his new job at the local police station.
I actually nearly didn't get to go because I had gotten a D in my report for maths but luckily, I had a friend who knew how to use photoshop to edit the grades before I gave them to daddy. He looked so proud of me, it made me feel guilty. But I really wanted to spend time with him.
"I think this is a good spot". Daddy's deep voice broke my thoughts as I looked at our surroundings and saw that we had arrived near the lake. The view was beautiful.
"Sarah, you need to pay attention" said dad. His strong muscles peeked through under his white sports shirt.
"Sorry daddy," I called after him as I quickly dropped the heavy backpack I carried on my back.
"I hope you enjoy this trip. I've been looking forward to spending time with you. You've been quite busy now that you're in your final year of school. How has everything been going Sarah?" dad asked as we both sat down near the bunches of sticks I had gathered.
I grabbed the box of matches and kindling as I replied, "it's been stressful. But I'm doing all right daddy." I went to a strict catholic school and flunking classes was a big deal. I'm surprised that they haven't called my parents to tell them of how I had been doing bad in maths this semester.
"Haven't been hanging out with any boys?", dad's question caught me completely off guard. His eyebrow lifted and his hands tightened around the stick as he roasted up marshmallows.
"Of course not daddy" I replied.
Despite the hot heat earlier in the day, the cold night air whipped at our bodies as we sat and looked at the stars. I could feel daddy's rough hand on my knee as I lied on my back and he sat cross legged.
His hand was large. And despite being married to my mother ever since I was born, I couldn't feel the cold metal of his wedding ring. I wonder why he didn't wear it. Maybe he was worried he'd lose it here in the woods.
"Want some beer?" The muscles in his arm stretched as he offered me the green bottle of alcohol. I took a couple sips.
My eyes drooped slightly as we both sat in silence, the calmness of the stars had us both appreciating its beauty.
A couple more sips of the beer and I could feel dads calloused hands slide up my thigh. His strong fingers playing with the edges of my Nike shorts that hugged my bottom.